Circular Economy – Interwaste Holdings Ltd

Spring into Action: Imagining a Future Beyond Landfills

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sun, 31 Aug 2025 08:00:24 +0000

There was a time when landfills were the final stop in a long, linear journey of consumption. But what if they weren’t? What if waste didn’t end up buried in the ground. But reimagined, repurposed, and reintegrated into the economy?

As we enter the realm of possibilities, the concept of zero waste to landfill becomes more than just a sustainability goal – it becomes a design principle for the future. One that dares to ask: what if nothing was wasted at all?

This September, we open that conversation. Because the innovations that can get us there aren’t science fiction, they’re already here, quietly transforming how we think about waste, value, and regeneration.

The Vision: A World Without Waste

In a zero waste-to-landfill future:

Products are designed for repair, reuse, or disassembly
Food waste fuels biogas or regenerative compost systems
Plastics are replaced with biodegradable alternatives
Buildings are constructed with recycled or modular materials
Waste sorting is enhanced by AI and robotics
Communities participate in hyper-local circular systems

It’s not perfect – yet. But it’s possible. And in South Africa, a country with limited landfill space and growing waste volumes, it’s not just a possibility. It’s a necessity.Transformative Technologies on the Rise

AI‑Powered Sorting

Robotic sorting systems powered by machine vision, such as Europe’s ZenRobotics, are boosting recovery rates in materials recovery facilities by up to 60% by identifying and extracting valuable recyclables with precision. These innovations are inspiring similar pilots for plastic and e-waste sorting in South Africa.

Design for Disassembly & Reusable Packaging

Globally, manufacturers are shifting toward product designs, like modular electronics or refillable containers, that are easier to repair or recycle. In South Africa, frameworks promoting reusable packaging and bulk bin systems are emerging, offering alternatives to single-use waste.

Waste‑to‑Energy 2.0: Pyrolysis & Gasification

Advanced thermal technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification are being piloted in South Africa, notably in Gauteng where tyre-derived waste can be processed into syngas and energy. These methods offer cleaner energy alternatives to conventional incineration.

Biodegradable & Bio‑Based Materials

Innovative packaging made from cassava, algae, or maize starch is gaining traction. These compostable materials degrade within 60–90 days, making them well-suited for municipalities with organic waste infrastructure and reducing plastic pollution.

Leading Possibility into Practice

Interwaste’s commitment to a future beyond landfill is already in motion. Our Effluent Treatment Plant set a new standard for liquid waste circularity, recovering 90% of treated effluent as reusable water, but this is just one part of a broader journey. Across our network of specialist facilities, from our composting operations and recycling centres to our engineered landfills and alternative waste treatment sites, we are continuously pushing to improve how waste is managed, processed, and recovered.

New technologies, whether in the form of thermal desorption, mechanical pre-treatment, or alternative fuels, are being explored to support diversion and resource recovery. At our Refuse Derived Fuels Facility, for example, we are extracting value from previously non-recyclable materials to reduce reliance on landfill, while exploring partnerships that support material beneficiation and energy potential.

Our vision also includes expanding closed-loop systems where businesses are supported in taking greater ownership of their waste output , whether through pre-treatment, material recovery, or more sustainable disposal routes. Through this integrated approach, we aim not only to respond to today’s waste pressures, but to build the blueprint for a circular, waste-free tomorrow.

Turning Vision into Systems Change

Technology alone won’t transform waste into sustainability – policies, systems, and communities must evolve too. South Africa’s National Waste Management Strategy 2020 has laid out goals for circular economy growth, extended producer responsibility, and resource recovery. The opportunity is in bridging pilot technologies with national policy and community action to make zero waste a reality.

The journey toward zero waste-to-landfill is not a distant dream. It is a present-day responsibility with future-shaping potential. As we open the door to the realm of possibilities, we begin to see that transformation is not only necessary, but within reach. Interwaste’s work proves that change starts with bold infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and a willingness to challenge outdated systems.

But the future we imagine will not build itself. It depends on our collective ability to act with urgency and imagination. It’s about the choices we make now, to invest in circular thinking, to adopt better technologies, to reduce and rethink at every step of the value chain.

This spring let’s step forward with intention. Let’s refuse to accept waste as the end of the story and instead make it the beginning of something better. Because when we stop asking what if and start asking what next, we find the answers we need to build a cleaner, greener, waste-free world.

Plastic Waste: Fact, Fiction, and Our Role in the Solution

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 08:18:07 +0000

Plastic plays an essential role in modern life – from packaging and transportation to healthcare and technology. But with increasing volumes of plastic waste entering our environment each year, it’s no surprise that the material has become the focus of intense global scrutiny.

The truth, however, is more nuanced. While concerns around plastic pollution are valid, many commonly held beliefs oversimplify a far more complex issue – and may distract from the meaningful changes needed to drive impact.

Let’s take a closer look at the facts and fictions around plastic waste, highlight the opportunities for better management, and explore the shared responsibility we all hold in building a more sustainable future.

Fiction: Plastic is the problem

Fact: Plastic, in and of itself, is not the enemy. It’s lightweight, durable, affordable, and in many industries – from medicine to construction – irreplaceable.

The problem lies not in the material, but in how we manage it. Poor collection systems, a lack of waste separation, and limited access to recycling infrastructure all contribute to plastic leaking into our environment.

Plastic only becomes a problem when it is mismanaged.

Fiction: All plastic is recyclable

Fact: Not all plastic is created equal. While many types of plastic can be recycled, others are more difficult due to contamination, multi-layered composition, or lack of end-market value.

Soft plastics – such as shopping bags and cling film – are especially difficult to recycle and often end up in landfill or incineration. Even where infrastructure exists, recycling rates remain low due to poor separation at source and limited public understanding of what is, and isn’t, recyclable.

According to global estimates, only 9% of plastic ever produced has been recycled, while the rest has been landfilled, incinerated, or escaped into natural environments.

Fiction: Paper is always a better alternative

Fact: While paper is often perceived as the eco-friendlier option, it comes with trade-offs. Producing paper bags, for example, requires more water and energy than manufacturing plastic bags. And because paper is less durable, it often needs to be replaced – increasing the material footprint over time.

No material is inherently good or bad. The key is to evaluate each product’s full lifecycle and ensure it is used responsibly, reused when possible, and disposed of correctly.

Plastic waste in context

Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic bags are produced every year, with plastic packaging being the most significant contributor to waste volumes.

Plastic bags, in particular, have come under scrutiny – with estimates suggesting that the world uses up to 5 trillion plastic bags per year. Yet only a small fraction of these are recycled, due to the challenges associated with collecting and processing lightweight, flexible materials.

When plastic escapes formal waste systems, it often ends up in water systems, open land, or marine environments – where it can take hundreds of years to break down, often forming microplastics in the process.

What role can plastic still play?

When managed properly, plastic has a valuable place in the circular economy.
It reduces transport emissions due to its light weight.
It extends the shelf life of food, reducing food waste.
It enables innovation in medical, safety, and construction fields.
It can be recycled, recovered, or converted to energy under the right systems.

Rather than eliminating plastic altogether, the solution lies in redesigning our systems – and rethinking how we produce, use, and recover plastic in a sustainable and economically viable way.

The role we all play

A better future for plastic waste isn’t just in the hands of policymakers or manufacturers. It requires action from businesses, households, and individuals alike. Here’s how we can all contribute:

1. Separate waste at source

Recyclable plastic should never be mixed with food waste or non-recyclables. Clean separation is one of the most effective ways to improve recycling outcomes.

2. Reduce single-use plastic consumption

Where possible, opt for reusable alternatives. Even small behaviour changes – like using refillable containers or reusable shopping bags – add up.

3. Stay informed

Not all plastic is recyclable in all systems. Take the time to understand what your local waste management provider accepts – and what needs to go to specialised facilities.

4. Partner with the right service provider

Businesses have a responsibility to manage their plastic waste in line with compliance and environmental standards. Interwaste provides integrated waste solutions that include plastic recovery, energy-from-waste, and recycling streams – tailored to specific operational needs.

The conversation around plastic is not about blame – it’s about building better systems, encouraging informed choices, and driving innovation that makes a difference. When plastic is managed responsibly, it becomes part of the solution, not the problem. But achieving this requires a collective shift: in mindset, in behaviour, and in the way we design and deliver waste solutions.

At Interwaste, we’re not just responding to the challenge – we’re leading the change. Through smart infrastructure, sustainable partnerships, and a clear purpose, we help businesses and communities move from plastic waste to long-term impact.

Because when waste is managed well, we don’t just reduce harm – we protect land, uplift life, and shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

Turning Waste Into Opportunity

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 20:00:00 +0000

Every year on the 22^nd of, Earth Day serves as a global reminder of the urgent need to protect our environment. With landfills nearing capacity, pollution rising, and climate change accelerating, sustainable waste management has never been more crucial. This year’s theme, “Planet vs. Plastics,” highlights the need to tackle plastic waste and transition towards circular economy models. At Interwaste, we play a critical role in this shift by reducing landfill dependency, maximizing resource recovery, and pioneering alternative waste treatment technologies.

The Environmental Challenge of Plastic Waste

Globally, over 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, yet less than 12% is estimated to have been effectively recycled. South Africa alone generates 2.4 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, much of which ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. The environmental cost of plastic pollution includes:

Severe harm to marine and terrestrial ecosystems
Microplastic contamination in water and food chains
Significant carbon emissions from plastic production and disposal

Without intervention, plastic production is expected to double by 2050, further straining ecosystems. The only solution is a radical transformation in waste management, material use, and resource recovery – something Interwaste is actively driving.

How We are Leading the Change

Reducing Plastic Waste Through Recycling and Recovery

Encouraging the diversion of plastic waste from landfills and reintegrating it into new production cycles. Working alongside our clients, we strive to separate waste as early as possible in the supply chain, reducing contamination and increasing its potential to be reused in the same or alternative processes.

Advancing Alternative Waste Treatment Technologies

Strategic investment in technologies that support the reutilization of non-recyclables or hazardous waste streams. Through the development of solutions like these, we effectively address the challenges that these waste streams pose to our planet. This includes:

Contaminant immobilisation stabilises hazardous waste, preventing soil and water contamination.
Effluent treatment processes millions of litres of industrial wastewater annually, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
Waste-to-energy technologies convert non-recyclable wastes into alternative fuel sources, helping industries reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Promoting a Circular Economy

The circular economy eliminates waste by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. At Interwaste, we:

Develop closed-loop recycling systems, ensuring high-value materials are continuously reused.
Partner with industries to redesign waste processes and increase sustainability.
Invest in innovative recovery technologies that create value from waste.

By ensuring waste is reintegrated into supply chains rather than discarded, we support both environmental conservation and economic resilience.

Environmental protection is not the responsibility of one organization alone—it requires collaboration among businesses, industries, and communities. Small actions—such as reducing plastic use, supporting recycling efforts, and choosing sustainable alternatives – can have a profound impact on the future of our planet.

At Interwaste, we remain committed to driving change through innovation, responsible waste management, and strategic industry partnerships. By transforming waste into opportunity, we are actively shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and waste-free future.

Rethinking Waste for a Sustainable Future

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 08:12:20 +0000

Waste is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Globally, landfills are filling at unsustainable rates, oceans are choking with plastic pollution, and waste-related emissions contribute significantly to climate change. Recognising the urgency of this issue, the United Nations declared 30 March as the International Day for Zero Waste, a day dedicated to promoting waste reduction, responsible consumption, and circular economy practices.

At Interwaste, we take this responsibility seriously. Our mission is to redefine how waste is managed, processed, and repurposed – ensuring that waste is treated not as an endpoint but as an opportunity for sustainable transformation.

What is Zero Waste?

Zero waste is more than just reducing what we throw away – it’s about rethinking how materials are designed, consumed, and disposed of. The goal is to:

Minimize waste generation at its source.
Extend product lifecycles through reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Recover valuable materials to reintegrate them into production cycles.
Eliminate unnecessary landfill disposal by finding sustainable alternatives.

By closing the loop on waste, zero-waste initiatives directly contribute to environmental preservation, resource conservation, and pollution reduction.

How Interwaste is Contributing to a Zero-Waste Future?

Landfill Diversion Through Waste Treatment

Interwaste operates specialised waste treatment facilities designed to process and recover valuable resources from waste. Our Klinkerstene Waste Park focuses on:

Effluent treatment, ensuring that hazardous liquids are safely processed and reintegrated into water systems. Read more about our Effluent Treatment Plant
Contaminant immobilisation, stabilising hazardous materials to prevent leaching into the environment.
pH modification, treating industrial waste to neutralize harmful effects before disposal.

These solutions prevent hazardous waste from polluting land, water, and air, reinforcing our commitment to environmental preservation.

Alternative Waste Treatment Solutions

To reduce landfill reliance, Interwaste offers innovative treatment alternatives such as:

Waste-to-energy programs, converting non-recyclable and hazardous liquid waste into alternative energy sources.
Material recovery initiatives, extracting valuable components from industrial waste streams.

By investing in alternative waste solutions, we help businesses comply with sustainability targets while reducing environmental impact.

Driving a Circular Economy

A circular economy eliminates waste by keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Interwaste supports this transition by:

Developing closed-loop recycling programs that ensure products are continuously repurposed.
Encouraging businesses to rethink product life cycles and minimize excess waste.
Creating partnerships that promote responsible material sourcing and end-of-life solutions.

This approach reduces demand for virgin materials, lowers carbon footprints, and preserves ecosystems by keeping valuable resources within the economy.

Zero Waste and Environmental Preservation

The International Day for Zero Waste is a critical movement toward protecting natural ecosystems, reducing pollution, and mitigating climate change. When waste is minimised, fewer resources are extracted from the planet, less pollution is released into the air and water, and biodiversity is preserved.

At Interwaste, we are committed to providing the infrastructure, innovation, and expertise needed to support this vision. Through our waste treatment facilities, landfill diversion strategies, and circular economy initiatives, we are driving real progress toward a waste-free future.

Every action taken today, whether through responsible disposal, resource recovery, or waste prevention, helps secure a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.

Driving Sustainability: Celebrating 2024 KZN Waste Management Awards

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 05:46:48 +0000

The 2024 KZN Waste Management Awards, hosted by the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), honoured organizations at the forefront of environmental stewardship. These awards are more than accolades – they highlight the critical role businesses play in reducing environmental impact, fostering a circular economy, and advancing sustainability.

At Interwaste, we are proud to collaborate with visionary clients who have made sustainability a core part of their operations. Their achievements showcase the transformative power of integrated waste management, where innovation meets impact to drive tangible change for both businesses and the planet.

A celebration of excellence

This year’s winners are paving the way for a more sustainable future through groundbreaking initiatives in cleaner production, waste minimization, and resource efficiency. Their collective commitment is a testament to the possibility of aligning profitability with environmental stewardship.

From reducing water usage to enhancing recyclability, these organizations demonstrate that sustainability is not just a goal – it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and inspire across industries.

Our Clients, Leading the Way

We are especially proud of our clients whose achievements highlight the potential of collaboration in driving sustainable change:

Freys Food Brands

Awards:

5 Star Gold Certificate
Winner of the Large Manufacturing Category Trophy
Individual Trophy: Carmen Haripursad

Impact:
Freys implemented significant resource efficiency measures, achieving:

A 30% reduction in water usage through enhanced monitoring.
Diverting 60% of waste from landfill through innovative repurposing, such as using boiler ash for bricks.
Eliminating shrink-wrapping and transitioning to fully recyclable packaging to support the circular economy.

Cipla Medpro Manufacturing

Awards:

5 Star Gold Certificate
Winner of the Small Manufacturing Category Trophy

Impact:
Cipla’s integrated waste management initiatives, as a first-time entrant, included:

Paperless systems and digital visitor management tools.
Optimized packaging processes to reduce waste.
Installation of solar energy systems for renewable power.
Raw material substitutions, such as replacing alcohol with water to reduce toxicity.
Projects to support waste pickers and pilot programs for inhaler reuse.

Sika SA

Award:

4 Star Gold Certificate

Impact:
Sika SA, also a first-time entrant, has seamlessly integrated waste management practices into its operations, achieving:

Effluent treatment for reuse in production.
Replacement of materials with greener alternatives.
Diverting cement waste from landfill to create bricks for RDP housing projects.

Clover KZN CDC

Award:

3 Star Gold Certificate

Impact:
Clover demonstrated leadership in waste minimization through:

Optimizing distribution routes to reduce fuel use.
Transitioning to paperless operations.
Implementing energy-efficient systems, such as gas-powered forklifts.

A testament to collaboration and innovation

While we proudly celebrate our clients, we also commend all other winners and participants for their inspiring contributions:

Netcare The Bay Hospital: Best New Entrant Trophy
Constantia Flexibles: Innovation & EPR Trophy
Conlog: Cleaner Production Trophy
ActiChem: Team Trophy – Service
Toyota Boshoku South Africa and Toyota South Africa Motors: Team Trophy – Manufacturing

The KZN Waste Management Awards are a reminder that serving land and life goes beyond individual achievements. They represent a broader movement to embed sustainability at the heart of business practices. Interwaste remains committed to partnering with organizations to help them lead this charge, transforming challenges into opportunities for a greener tomorrow.

We congratulate all the winners and participants and remain committed to partnering with organizations to help them lead the charge in building a sustainable tomorrow. Together, we are not just serving businesses but truly serving land and life.

A Time of Waste and a Future of Possibility

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 04:40:23 +0000

As the Diamond Sponsor of ISWA 2024, Interwaste had the incredible opportunity to engage with both local and international industry leaders and colleagues sharing thought-provoking insights and innovative solutions to address the challenges facing the African waste management industry. Our presence at the conference not only highlighted our commitment to pioneering sustainable practices but also reinforced our role as a key player in shaping the future of waste management in the region.

While many of the presentations throughout the event focused on the pressing issues within the waste industry, we are exceptionally proud of our team’s outstanding contributions. Each presentation brought fresh ideas, explored diverse perspectives, and provided actionable solutions for some of the most critical challenges faced today.

Thought Leadership in Action

Kate Stubbs led one of the plenary sessions with her captivating presentation, “A Time of Waste.” She took the audience on a journey through the past, present, and future of waste management, reflecting on the changes in mindset and the actions needed to reconnect with nature. Drawing on concepts like the circular economy and biomimicry, Kate’s insights inspired us to imagine a future where waste becomes a resource rather than a burden.

Sintu Mhlonyane presented an exciting breakthrough in his talk, “Overcoming Challenges in Leachable Analysis: A Novel Approach.” His innovative approach reduces costs and simplifies processes, offering a more efficient path toward regulatory compliance. Sintu’s presentation highlighted his expertise and the practical impact of his work on improving industry standards.

Bradley Thorpe shared his passion for environmental stewardship in his presentation on Biodiversity Protection and Promotion through Waste Management. Bradley discussed how waste management activities can actively protect, restore, and promote biodiversity, sharing actions Interwaste has taken to restore ecosystems and champion biodiversity at our sites. His insights demonstrated our long-term commitment to sustainability, going beyond waste to embrace the full spectrum of environmental responsibility.

Moipone Maseko delivered a forward-thinking presentation on Circular Sustainable Solutions for Liquid Waste, which examined the current state of South Africa’s wastewater treatment plants. She showcased Interwaste’s own Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP), which transforms 80-90% of wastewater into clean, reusable water. Moipone’s presentation illustrated the potential of African solutions to meet global challenges head-on, especially as the world faces increasing water scarcity.

Case Studies That Lead the Way

As part of a broader team effort, Interwaste showcased two key case studies. The first focused on Effluent Treatment and the Need to Diversify Our Water Mix, emphasizing how incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) principles is essential for effective water management. The second case study explored the potential for Waste to Energy in South Africa, examining the drivers for adoption, local opportunities, and insights from our partners at Séché Environnement.

The Time of Waste Concept and Interwaste Stand

Throughout ISWA 2024, our stand embodied the theme, “A Time of Waste,” reflecting on the evolution of waste management and encouraging a mindset shift for the future. Visitors to our stand experienced interactive features like a VR journey through natural environments, which emphasized our connection to nature, and our bold stance on sustainability. We believe that dreaming big and imagining a world without waste is critical to creating impactful change.

As part of our commitment to reducing waste, the stand was constructed with eco-friendly materials, and sustainability was at the heart of every detail, from recyclable carpets to biodegradable paints and inks.

A Thank You

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to ISWA and IWMSA for organizing such a successful conference. The platform allowed us to engage with like-minded individuals and share our expertise, while learning from global leaders who are also committed to creating a better tomorrow.

As we move forward from ISWA 2024, Interwaste remains dedicated to innovating and leading the waste management sector, delivering impactful solutions that address the needs of today, while building a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Refuse Emissions: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 15:45:25 +0000

In July, we’re turning our attention to the significant impact of our daily routines on carbon emissions. Taking responsibility for our actions can make a substantial contribution to reducing our national carbon footprint. It’s time to refuse permission for emissions by adopting simple yet effective practices – let’s take a look:

The Carbon Impact of Daily Routines:

It’s easy to underestimate the carbon emissions and ecological footprint associated with our daily activities. From transportation choices to home energy use, each action impacts both our carbon footprint and biodiversity. By taking responsibility for these actions, we can collectively reduce emissions and conserve nature.

Turn Off Your Computer When Not in Use:

Electronic devices contribute to energy consumption, even when idle. Turning off your computer when not in use consumes 83% less energy than leaving it idle or in screen saver mode. This small action conserves energy, extends your device’s lifespan, and reduces electricity demand from power plants that can harm natural habitats.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:

The foundational principles of waste management—reduce, reuse, and recycle—play a critical role in minimizing carbon emissions. Reducing waste at the source, reusing materials, and recycling appropriately can significantly lower the volume of waste that ends up in landfills, reducing methane emissions.

Proper Hazardous Waste Disposal:

Improper disposal of hazardous waste can lead to soil and water contamination, harming biodiversity and contributing to emissions. Ensure you dispose of hazardous materials like batteries, paint, and electronics at designated facilities.

Support Circular Economy Initiatives:

Circular South Africa (CSA) serves as the central hub for circular news and initiatives in South Africa. This platform provides invaluable insights regarding circular economy information, events, network connections, funding opportunities, and a range of initiatives dedicated to advancing the circular economy in South Africa. By supporting and engaging with CSA, you can help drive the transition to a circular economy, which minimizes waste, maximizes resource use, and significantly reduces carbon emissions. Explore Circular South Africa for more information.

Positive Impacts of Small Actions:

Reduced Carbon Emissions: Proper tire maintenance, turning off electronic devices, and choosing energy-efficient options in daily tasks all contribute to reduced carbon emissions, making a positive impact on the environment.
Resource Conservation: By opting for energy-efficient practices, you not only reduce your carbon footprint but also contribute to the conservation of resources like fuel, electricity, and water.
Financial Savings: Many energy-efficient practices result in financial savings. From lower fuel consumption to reduced energy bills, these small changes can have a positive impact on your wallet.

This July, let’s refuse permission for emissions together. By adopting simple practices like turning off your computer when not in use, choosing energy-efficient options in daily tasks, and managing waste responsibly, we can collectively make a significant difference. These actions not only reduce our individual carbon footprints but also contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet, preserving biodiversity for future generations.

Waste to Energy: Sustainable Solution for SA’s Energy & Waste Crisis!

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sun, 05 May 2024 11:56:29 +0000

The significance of alternative waste treatment technologies

South Africans have enjoyed some relief from power cuts in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the last quarter of 2023, but the harsh reality is that we still have an energy challenge that need to be solved.

Further to this, South Africa also has a waste problem – with the country generating roughly 122 million tonnes of waste a year. However, these two challenges can actually work in tandem to each other to provide sustainable solutions to both problems, in the form of waste-to-energy plants.

Waste to energy plants, in simple terms are facilities that convert waste into electricity, heat or gas. These plants use various technologies, such as incineration, gasification, landfill gas recovery and generation or anaerobic digestion, to break down waste materials and generate energy. The benefit though, is that the process does not only reduce the volume of waste, but it also decreases the need for landfill space, while providing a renewable source of energy.

Infrastructure

While there are a variety of small scale plants already operating around the country, we still have a long way to go, if we want to address the power deficit we currently face, which is about 4000 – 6000 MW daily. This means of course, that currently, our demand exceeds supply.

However, the good news is that waste can provide us with a number of different solutions to help minimise our energy usage gap. Today, there are solutions like anaerobic digestion, which biogas producers use to convert organic wastes, as well as agricultural residues and wastewater into biogas, which can be used for transportation and heating or even electricity generation. The reason for this is that anaerobic digestion creates methane gas from the naturally occurring bacterial processes and this combustible gas can then be used to generate electricity. Landfill gas recovery is another process wherein methane produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in landfill is captured by a gas pipe network built into waste body of the landfill, collected and processed to generate electricity or heat.

Interwaste itself owns South Africa’s first Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) plant – which converts various types of waste into alternative fuels, reducing dependence on coal and other carbon-intensive fossil fuels in general, industrial, and municipal sectors. So again, you can see the potential, not merely for investors and stakeholders, but of the benefit of the whole community as we examine ways in which to combat waste, but importantly, find solutions to our energy challenges – solutions that are sustainable.

Policies

As the market for waste-to-energy solutions grows, we believe that further relevant legislation and standards will be implemented, which will encourage the private sector, as well as municipalities, to make the necessary adjustments in order to ensure compliance – through their waste usage and drive more responsible energy sources for our country.

We can see the start of the evolution already. In fact, in 2022, the Western Cape imposed 50% organic waste to landfill bans, with a plan to impose a 100% ban by 2027. In the same vein , the City of Joburg has also invested more than R200-million in developing the Landfill Gas to Energy Clean Development Mechanism Project which uses gas turbines to drill out methane gas – caused by the degradation of bio-organic compounds at its landfill sites – all to generate renewable energy for the municipal grid.

The future

So, how do we continue to build on this great work?

A complete shift is now required towards creating a circular economy which designs waste out of the value chain and prioritises the re-use and recycling of waste generated as a secondary resource. It may be a tough ask, but with collaboration, planning, and accountability from both the public and private sectors, it can be done. There is an urgent need for increased collaboration between industry and government. If we want to maximise the potential of waste to energy at a local level, we must prioritise education, awareness, investment in waste innovation, and the development of supportive policies and infrastructure.

Further to this, we also need behavioural changes in our own, households. For example, instead of throwing food away, use it to make compost. However, if this does not appeal to you, then look to food waste solution providers who can collect your food waste – at households, schools, and even shipping centres – and they will compost this food waste in a safe and reliable manner. We all have to start being responsible and adopting a ‘nothing wasted’ mindset, if we truly want to impact the health of our planet.

Your Guide to a Sustainable Start in 2024

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 20:45:15 +0000

Cultivating Carbon Awareness

As we embark on a new year, it’s the perfect time to set resolutions, but not just the typical ones. How about making 2024 the year of environmental consciousness? Cultivating carbon awareness is a vital step towards reducing our collective carbon footprint, and you, as an individual, can play a pivotal role in this journey.

Understanding Carbon Awareness

Carbon awareness is about being conscious of your actions and their environmental impact. It’s the realization that every choice you make, from what you eat to how you commute, has an associated carbon footprint. By acknowledging this, you’re taking the first step towards a more sustainable future.

The Three R’s of Carbon Consciousness

Reduce: Start at home, work, or school by making an effort to reduce waste. Choose reusable items, consume less, and be mindful of your consumption. Small changes can make a big difference.
Reuse: Before you throw something away, think about whether it can be reused. This applies to everything from plastic containers to old clothes. When we reuse items, we reduce the demand for new products and, consequently, the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing and producing them.
Recycle: Support local recycling efforts. Separating recyclables from your regular rubbish not only conserves resources but also helps reduce the burden on landfills. It’s a simple yet effective way to make a positive impact.

The Circular Economy and You

Adopting these practices contributes to the concept of a circular economy, where resources are used efficiently, and waste is minimized. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also promotes a sustainable and resilient ecosystem. Imagine a world where nothing goes to waste, and every product has an extended lifecycle.

Your Role in Nurturing an Ecological Lifestyle

Taking steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle doesn’t just benefit the environment—it also improves your well-being. Being mindful of your carbon footprint can lead to healthier choices, like walking or cycling instead of driving, choosing locally sourced foods, and consuming less meat. These choices not only reduce your impact on the environment but also promote a healthier you.

Cultivating carbon awareness is a journey that begins with small, meaningful steps. It’s about understanding the interconnectedness of our actions and their environmental consequences. By reducing, reusing, and recycling, you contribute to the circular economy, making a difference in your community and beyond.

This year, let’s commit to sustainability and start by making our homes, workplaces, and schools more environmentally friendly. Together, we can create a greener, healthier future for all.

Climate action and economic preservation can coexist

wont.socialise@gmail.com — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:30:29 +0000

How waste management fits

The waste management industry has faced several operational challenges during this year, notwithstanding the immediate impact due to load shedding. Yes, waste can be affected by load shedding, as the critical facilities that handle both general and hazardous waste are treated by electricity-powered equipment, and without power, it results in delays in the waste management processes. As a result, we have seen waste build up in neighbourhoods, business districts, and public areas – which is not only unsanitary but raises raising the risk of disease transmission.

Load shedding has also had a severe impact on incinerators and recycling plants, because they too need a consistent supply of electricity. Without electricity, waste treatment processes can be suspended or interrupted and of course, then more waste could end up being disposed of to our already burdened landfills.

Further to the impacts of load shedding, is the increase in operational costs due to the significant increases in the cost of living in the past two years, and the waste management industry has felt the pinch. This is true for all consumers and the entire business sector in our country. Add the rampant loadshedding, unfavourable exchange rates and higher lending rates, every organisation is still feeling the effects.

In a recent article, the government revealed that over R168 million was spent in purchasing waste collection fleets – a very steep cost.

So, if we consider that our electricity challenges are likely to exist for a while, what then would we like in 2024 for the waste sector?

Well, the reality that exists is that we must consider that we are in a juxtaposition between fighting climate change and fighting economic turmoil – and which one comes first, or can they coexist?

The good news is that climate action and economic preservation can coexist and in fact, should. Waste and effective waste management presents a large economic opportunity to establish new industries and/or revenue streams. Our hope is that 2024 is used to really drive solutions that deliver on this opportunity – all at levels within the public and private sector. We have always advocated that waste to energy production is a good place to start and will create more jobs and opportunities, and with the availability of technologies available we can convert different types of waste to energy – in the form of electricity, steam or gas.

And it is not just electricity where waste can have an impact, but our water too. Our wastewater can be re-used as well -and when treated to the required standards, nearly all effluent waste can be recycled and offer a strong solution for water sustainability and access – water that was previously not deemed safe for consumption.

In fact, the global waste-to-energy market is expected to grow from to almost 43 billion U.S. dollars in 2024 – so you can see the massive opportunity that exists. Additionally, the International Renewable Energy Agency has also stated that renewables have the potential to employ more than 40 million people by 2050. These figures are not just big but represent growth for economies that embrace them.

So, in 2024, we would like to see climate action and economic preservation coexisting, where waste and effective waste management not only establish new industries and/or revenue streams, but helps companies meet their legislative requirements as we fight climate change. It’s a win for everyone.

As we wrap up the year, and start preparing for the new one, we are excited to be building on our existing services and launching some new service offerings in 2024, which not only align to legislation but support our clients ecological transition to the circular economy.